NOW that we can browse for clothing bargains, buy birthday presents, watch box-sets, download albums and order groceries online, there are fewer and fewer reasons to leave our square foot of sofa and get out onto the high street, and we all know the consequences of this are increasing.

Add to that the recession, and the fact that everyone now fancies themselves as Mary Berry, and there seems to be less socialising done outside of the home now as well.

It's been sad to hear over the past few years that Woolworths, HMV, Blockbuster, Comet, Habitat and more were all shutting up shop, but even worse when the local small businesses who have added to the character of the area are suddenly gone.

I grew up in Downton and have been saddened by the loss of the corner shop where I used to buy my sweets, and The Kings Arms which was my granddad’s local. Both used to be important hubs of the local community. In Salisbury we've lost the treasure trove that was Brian Leonard's, record shops like Domino and Stand Out, Explore Learn Create toy shop in the Market Place and the Cross Keys book shop.

Economically and practically it doesn't seem like shutting the bus station is a loss, but I hope the site will be used for something that benefits the people of the city – something that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Development can be done in a positive way – the Fisherton Mill, Boston Tea Party being located in a 14th century inn, the arts centre being a deconsecrated church – and we are unique in that Salisbury has the oldest building in the country to house a cinema.

However, it's also important to retain our small local businesses as they help shape the character of an area. If a business is struggling it will need to close, and rent cannot be paid for in units of nostalgia.

But if all we need to do is frequent them, then let’s get out there and give them the support they need.